Maxine Peake’s performance as Sara Rowbotham in Three Girls drew praise on Twitter

In tonight’s episode, Sara lays into police for widespread failures to bring prosecutions in the case which has targeted 200 girls.

One viewer wrote: “Maxine Peake is just a sensational actress, just sensational. Her portrayal of this sexual health worker is incredible.”

Another described the actress’s performance as “magnificent” while a third tweeted: “Maxine Peake is making this true life drama as the enlightened one.”

Lisa Riley’s performance as the mother of teen abuse victims Amber and Ruby also drew praise along with Lesley Sharp who stars as DC Margaret Oliver – a police officer determined to bring the gang to justice.

MAXINE PEAKE is just a sensational actress, just sensational. Her portrayal of this sexual health worker is incredible #ThreeGirls

Lisa Riley and Lesley Sharp’s acting also won rave reviews in the drama

The first episode of the drama left viewers emotional and heartbroken as they witnessed the abuse teens Holly, Ruby and Amber suffered at the hands of the gang.

Tonight’s instalment prompted fury on social media at the the shameful lack of response from authorities who for years turned a blind eye to the abuse — out of ineptitude, lack of communication and fear of being branded racist.